Overland Park ? A Senate committee on Thursday confirmed the nine members of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, leaving the authority board to begin its work.

The confirmation came after senators interviewed the appointees at a special meeting at the Overland Park Sheraton. The nine members, from across the country, were appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp. and legislative leaders. They are joined by two ex-officio, nonvoting members — Robert Hemenway, chancellor at Kansas University, and Jon Wefald, president of Kansas State University.

The panel elected Clay Blair, a Johnson County businessman and former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, to be its chairman. Bill Sanford, CEO of NanoScale Materials in Manhattan, will serve as vice chairman, and Stephen O’Connor, CEO of Nanostream in Pasadena, Calif., will serve as secretary and treasurer.

The group also heard an overview of the Kansas Economic Growth Act, the legislation approved during the 2004 session that created the authority, and approved bylaws.

The Economic Growth Act will use tax dollars generated by growth in the life sciences industry to fund enhancements to university research and business development. It is expected to generate more than $500 million in the next 10 years.

Hemenway said the group planned to meet at least four times a year and hoped to meet once more by the end of 2004.

Members bring wealth of experience to Authority